5 Great Artists You've Never Heard Of (But Should Know)

1. She and Him.

Well, you might have heard of the "she" part of this band. It is none other than Zooey Deschanel. Deschanel has a unique, almost western sounding voice (the transition would not be difficult for her, I am sure), and mixed in with M. Ward's soft tenor sound is extremely reminiscent of Peter, Paul and Mary but with more instruments.

Currently, they have one album out and one on the way. Check out this song from their upcoming album Volume Two.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIe7kFNfE-c

2. Seabear.

They're an Icelandic band. So perhaps they are like Sigur Ros? Well, not exactly. They are extremely mellow and always a good listen, but the major differences? Seabear sings in English and is slightly more upbeat. They have been described as, "Sufjan Stevens meets an unplugged Arcade Fire," in Clash magazine. Although not extremely popular, they have been featured on a few movie/television soundtracks. Check them out, they are one of my favorite bands right now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0M6s_OIRNc



3. The Radio Dept.


Marie Antoinette soundtrack streamed their sound into the mainstream world, but they have been around since 1995. They are dream/indie pop sounding and, not gonna lie, extremely hypnotic; kind of like a modern Dark Side of The Moon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db2HE7nAR-Y


4. The Bird and The Bee.

Relatively new band, starting in 2006. They are a synthpop alternative band from L.A. Futuristic sounding. They are actually a duo consisting of Inara George (or "the bird") and Greg Kurstin ("the bee"). George is primarily the singer and her high, hypnotic voice blends well with all the synths they use.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4oj8Ty-6iI


5. The Blue Van.

One of these bands is not like the other and it is The Blue Van. The Blue Van seems to have teleported back in time and crash landing and not stopping what they were doing for one minute. The band is from Denmark, and their lastest album, Man Up, is a musical treat. Tracks like Silly Boy, True and There Goes Your Love are the perfect driving songs. Especially in the summer, with the windows rolled down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaAabwfVDwQ


Currently listening to: Cha-Cha-Cha(Go Remix) by Jimmy Luxury & The Tommy Rome Orchestra